Learn and Research

American Studies Sustainability Project

The American Studies Sustainability Project attempts to engage the Vanderbilt community with issues of sustainability in a variety of creative ways. The department will offer a variety of courses, seminars, lectures, and ‘field trips’ all centered on issues of the environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The Cumberland Project

The Cumberland Project is a combined effort between the American Studies program and the Center for Teaching which seeks to help educators design courses that include significant environmental and sustainability components.

Financial Permaculture Institute

The Financial Permaculture Institute is a program through Gaia University which offers short courses to those interested in learning about systems designed with the goal of creating a zero waste economy that cares for the earth, the people and distributes surplus of material, currency and knowledge in a fair and equitable manner.

Gaia University

The mission of Gaia University is to foster the creation of a thoughtful global community focused on ecological regeneration and social justice. They offer a variety of degrees and certificates. In addition to required courses, learning occurs through the development and implementation of real world projects.

Center for Holistic Ecology

The Center for Holistic Ecology is a demonstration center dedicated to showing how damaged land can be restored, resources can be conserved, and consumers can exist in economically friendly way. They also conduct outreach education, Tennessee tree conservation, and community networking.

Go Green Nashville

Go Green Nashville is dedicated to reducing energy consumption in urban Nashville by 5%. Their blog seeks to ‘bring together information, inspiration, and a sustaining community for Nashville’s future.’

Cumberland River Compact

The Cumberland River Compact protects the Cumberland River by engaging businesses, government, farmers, miners, and all community members in the problem solving process.

Tennessee Conservation Voters

Tennessee Conservation Voters is a coalition of state conservation groups dedicated to raising voter awareness, advocating stronger laws and holding elected leaders accountable for safeguarding the environment of Tennessee.